Elly De La Cruz Donates \$20 Million to Charity, Uplifting Communities Across the Cincinnati
June 3, 2025 — Cincinnati, OH
In a move that’s already being hailed as one of the most generous acts by a professional athlete this year, Cincinnati Reds’ rising superstar Elly De La Cruz has donated a staggering \$20 million to a network of charities focused on youth development, healthcare access, and disaster relief across Latin America and the United States.
At just 23 years old, De La Cruz is quickly becoming known for more than his electric play on the field. With blazing speed, a cannon arm, and a batting presence that lights up stadiums, he’s one of Major League Baseball’s most exciting talents. But on Tuesday morning, the world saw another side of him — the compassionate and community-driven humanitarian.
### “It’s Time to Give Back”
Speaking at a press conference hosted at the Reds’ Great American Ball Park, De La Cruz appeared humble and deeply emotional. “I’ve been blessed in more ways than I can count,” he began. “From the streets of Sabana Grande de Boyá in the Dominican Republic to the bright lights of Major League Baseball, this journey has been incredible. But none of it means anything if I don’t reach back and help the people who lifted me up along the way.”
He then announced his \$20 million donation, which will be distributed through the newly launched **De La Cruz Foundation**, with key initiatives focused on:
1. **Youth Athletics & Education in the Dominican Republic**
2. **Disaster Relief and Rebuilding Efforts in the Caribbean**
3. **Free Baseball Clinics and Community Centers in Underserved U.S. Neighborhoods**
4. **Healthcare Access Programs, Including Mobile Clinics and Mental Health Services**
### From Humble Beginnings to Global Impact
Elly’s story is one of grit, talent, and community support. Raised in a small town with limited resources, he learned to play baseball with makeshift gear. His first “glove” was a piece of cardboard tied around his hand. His bat? A stick carved by his grandfather. By the time he was 15, his raw athleticism had scouts buzzing, but it was his work ethic that set him apart.
Signed by the Cincinnati Reds in 2018, De La Cruz quickly ascended through the minor league ranks. By 2023, he had cemented himself as one of the league’s most electrifying young players. Yet even as fame and fortune followed, he never forgot his roots.
“Elly always talked about doing something big for his community,” said his longtime trainer and mentor, Rafael Núñez. “Even when he was just 17, he said, ‘If I ever make it, I want to make sure the next generation has more than I did.'”
### Changing Lives, One Program at a Time
The impact of De La Cruz’s donation is already being felt. The first \$5 million is being funneled into the construction of five youth development centers in rural areas of the Dominican Republic. These centers will provide access to education, baseball training, nutrition programs, and mentorship opportunities.
Another \$3 million is being directed toward a disaster response initiative led by the Red Cross and local NGOs to assist communities affected by hurricanes and flooding in Haiti and Puerto Rico.
In the United States, \$6 million will fund mobile health units and mental wellness programs in low-income neighborhoods in Cincinnati, Atlanta, and Miami. These units will offer free check-ups, vaccinations, therapy sessions, and addiction support — services often out of reach for the communities they’re targeting.
The final \$6 million will be invested in a partnership with MLB and local schools to create free baseball clinics and community leagues. These will focus on bringing kids off the streets and onto safe playing fields, where they can build life skills, confidence, and community.
### Applauded Across the Sports World
The sports world wasted no time in responding. Fellow MLB players, NBA stars, and former athletes praised De La Cruz’s bold generosity.
“Big-time move from a young king,” tweeted Los Angeles Dodgers star Mookie Betts. “This is how you lead off the field.”
ESPN analyst and former MLB great Alex Rodriguez also weighed in: “What Elly De La Cruz has done today is bigger than baseball. This is legacy. This is leadership.”
Even non-sports figures, including several members of Congress and nonprofit leaders, acknowledged the significance of the gift.
### A New Standard for Athletes?
In an era where athletes are increasingly using their platforms for social good, De La Cruz’s gesture may represent a new gold standard. Not only is it one of the largest personal donations made by an active baseball player, but it also demonstrates a deep understanding of long-term, community-focused development.
When asked why he didn’t wait until retirement or the end of the season, De La Cruz responded simply: “Why wait to help people? Tomorrow isn’t promised.”
### Looking Ahead
As the MLB season continues, fans will surely continue to cheer De La Cruz’s dazzling on-field performances. But from now on, those cheers will carry deeper meaning — for the young superstar who’s proving that greatness isn’t just measured in home runs and stolen bases, but in heart, humility, and the willingness to make a difference.
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